What Causes Heart Attack? | How to Keep Your Heart Healthy? | Heart Attack Signs and Symptoms

Summary

A heart attack occurs when fatty deposits block the coronary arteries, preventing oxygenated blood from reaching the heart muscle. This causes cells to die. Signs include chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea. High blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking raise risk. If blockage is found through ECG and blood tests, an angioplasty can open the artery. Bypass surgery also an option. Lifestyle changes like healthy eating, exercise and managing stress vital to prevention. Heart attacks can even happen without symptoms, called a 'silent heart attack'.

Takeaways

• 😢 A heart attack can be fatal, claiming around 7 million lives worldwide every year
• ❤️ The heart needs a constant supply of oxygenated blood from the coronary arteries
• 🧠 Fatty deposits in arteries can harden and inflame, causing partial blockages
• 💉 Ruptured blockages trigger blood clotting, blocking arteries entirely
• 😵 Without blood flow, heart muscle cells die, leading to a heart attack
• 🚑 Crushing chest pain, arm/jaw pain are signs of a heart attack and require immediate medical care
• 🚬 High blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking, obesity raise heart attack risk
• 🩺 Doctors can use ECGs, blood tests, angioplasty, or bypass surgery to treat blockages
• 🍎 Healthy lifestyle changes like diet, exercise can significantly lower risk
• 😮 A 'silent' heart attack causes 1 in 5 attacks, with no obvious symptoms initially

Q & A

What are the main causes of plaque buildup in coronary arteries?

High cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, being overweight, and lack of physical activity can cause fatty deposits and plaque to build up in coronary arteries over time.

How does a heart attack occur?

If the plaque buildup in a coronary artery ruptures, it triggers blood clotting. This can fully block the artery, cutting off oxygen to parts of the heart muscle, causing cells to die - resulting in a heart attack.

What are the most common signs and symptoms of a heart attack?

Crushing chest pain, pain in the left arm, neck, jaw or back, shortness of breath, cold sweats, nausea, lightheadedness. Women and older people may experience extreme fatigue and weakness.

What is the medical term for a heart attack?

The medical term for a heart attack is myocardial infarction. This refers to the death of heart muscle cells due to a blocked coronary artery cutting off the blood and oxygen supply.

What emergency medical tests help diagnose a heart attack?

An electrocardiogram (ECG) can check the heart's electrical activity. A blood test looks for signs of heart muscle damage. These tests help doctors urgently diagnose a heart attack.

How can doctors treat a heart attack?

Emergency treatments include angioplasty to open blocked arteries or bypass surgery to redirect blood flow. These restore oxygen supply to save dying heart muscle.

What lifestyle changes can prevent heart attacks?

Eating healthy foods, regular exercise, avoiding smoking, getting enough sleep, and managing stress can significantly lower heart attack risk.

What are silent heart attacks?

Silent heart attacks have no obvious symptoms but still damage heart muscle. 1 in 5 attacks are 'silent', highlighting the need for regular checkups.

Why is fast treatment essential in a heart attack?

Rapid treatment is vital because without oxygen, heart muscle cells start dying within minutes. Fast restoration of blood flow limits permanent damage.

What happens if a heart attack is not treated immediately?

Without urgent treatment, the heart can stop pumping blood entirely leading to death. Permanent heart damage or heart failure are also risks if treatment is delayed.